NDLEA Probe Shouldn’t Stop Kyari’s Extradition, Says Lawyer

A human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has said that the Federal Government should not allow the alleged drug crimes linked to suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police and Head, Intelligence Response Team of the Nigeria Police Force, Abba Kyari, stop his extradition to the United States.

Effiong said this on Monday during his appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today in reaction to Kyari’s arrest by authorities of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

While still on suspension and prior to the arrest, the embattled police boss was expected to face prosecution in 2021 for his alleged role in a $1m scam allegedly perpetrated by international Internet fraudster Ramon Abbas, aka, Hushpuppi and five others.

“The question of his extradition should have been determined before now,” the human rights lawyer said.

“Now that the NDLEA has added another aspect to what has become the litany of criminal allegations against Abba Kyari, it, therefore, begs the question; will this slow his extradition or not?

“My perception is that if the Federal Government is truly honest about this case, the starting point is for the Police Service Commission to immediately conclude the investigation against Abba Kyari and apportion punishment accordingly.”

“I am hoping that the Federal Government will not use Abba Kyari’s indictment by the NDLEA as an excuse for not subjecting him to the process of extradition to the US.”

Kyari and four other police officers were arrested on Monday after being declared wanted for alleged links to drug crimes.